Death News: Rangers and Airdrie icon Ian McMillan was honored after his passing at the age of 92.
After Ian McMillan passed away at the age of 92, tributes were sent to the Rangers, Airdrie, and Scotland great.
Regarded as Airdrie’s “most celebrated son,” McMillan was universally acknowledged as the greatest player to ever don the renowned Diamond shirt. Known as “The Wee Prime Minister,” he was a hero for the Rangers as well.
According to the Daily Record, McMillan, who was born on March 19, 1931, grew up close to the original Broomfield Stadium in Airdrie and signed professional contracts after graduating from Airdrie Academy at the age of 17.
He earned his first of five full Scotland caps in April 1952 while playing for Airdrie. In 1958, he signed a £10,300 contract with Rangers.
McMillan played in the 1961 European Cup-Winners’ Cup final and won two League Cups in addition to three Scottish Cups during his six years at Ibrox.
Although Airdrie managed to get him back on the field in 1964, he was forced to retire from the game in the summer of 1967 due to ongoing injury issues.
Returning to the position of manager from 1970 to 1976, McMillan guided the team to three major titles: Division Two in 1974, the club’s first appearance in the Texaco Cup final, and the 1975 Scottish Cup final. In 2002, he was designated Honorary President of Airdrie and continued to serve as vice-chairman.
The following was stated in an Airdrie statement: “Everyone associated with Airdrieonians FC will deeply miss Ian, a fantastic man and football player.
“Ian played a variety of roles for the team, always doing so with distinction.
Our condolences are extended to Ian’s family and numerous friends during this difficult time. The Airdrieonians Football Club is deeply saddened by his passing.
“Dubbed the ‘Wee Prime Minister,’ McMillan joined Rangers in 1958 from Airdrie and went on to become one of the best inside forwards the club has ever had,” the Rangers statement said in honor of McMillan.
McMillan scored 55 goals in over 200 games during his six seasons at Ibrox. He won three Scottish Cups, two League Cups, and two League titles as a result of that contribution. Additionally, he had a significant impact on the 1961 Cup Winners’ Cup Final squad.
“It is astounding to think that McMillan, who was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame, was a part-time player who worked full-time as a quantity surveyor and trained twice a week for the Rangers.” In addition, he received six caps for Scotland and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.
“He left the club in 1964, but came back to Airdrie to play one more season before taking over as manager.
Rangers Football Club is consolidating with Ian’s family at this grievous time.
